Pathfinder-X offers a vertically take‑off and landing fixed‑wing drone built for professional and innovative users, combining high aerodynamic stability, speeds up to 160 km/h, and lightweight portability under 60 kg. 2 m² surface, and optional cellular or satellite links with AI processing for real‑time multi‑sensor video and ground‑station monitoring.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Operators of aerial missions often require a platform that can take off and land vertically while providing the endurance and speed of a fixed‑wing aircraft, yet existing solutions are either heavy, cumbersome to transport, or lack rapid battery swapping and reliable communications for extended operations.
Solution
Starling Systems’ Pathfinder‑X is a vertically take‑off and landing (eVTOL) fixed‑wing drone that combines the agility of VTOL with the aerodynamic efficiency of a traditional fixed‑wing aircraft. The aircraft weighs under 60 kg and folds to a compact size for easy transport, while its battery can be replaced in under 20 seconds without robotic assistance, minimizing downtime. Precision QR‑code landing on a 2.2 m² pad ensures reliable touchdown in day or night conditions. Integrated multi‑sensor payloads, including EO/IR cameras with onboard AI, provide real‑time video analytics, and optional LTE/5G and Iridium satellite links deliver redundant communications for beyond‑line‑of‑sight missions. An Nvidia Orin NX processor enables on‑board processing of video and sensor data, supporting advanced autonomous operations and ground‑station monitoring.
Target Audience
Primary customers are defense agencies, government contractors, and commercial operators requiring high‑performance VTOL drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and long‑range mission profiles.
Features
- Vertical take‑off and landing capability combined with fixed‑wing forward flight up to 160 km/h
- Foldable wing and tail for compact storage (folded dimensions 705 mm × 705 mm × 500 mm)
- Rapid battery swap in less than 20 seconds without robotic arms
- Precision QR‑code landing on a 2.2 m² surface, functional day and night
- Multi‑camera payload with EO/IR sensors and onboard AI for target identification and tracking
- Redundant communication suite: LTE/5G, RF, and Iridium satellite links
- Nvidia Orin NX onboard processor for real‑time video analytics and autonomous flight control
- Endurance of 3+ hours in forward flight and 35 minutes in hover, with a one‑way range of 160 km